Jordan

Catriona Rowntree continued her incredible Middle Eastern adventure with Scenic with very first journey into Jordan, a country of great diversity, beauty and history.

Catriona Rowntree continued her incredible Middle Eastern adventure with Scenic. She bid farewell to Egypt where she had visited some of the most fascinating ancient sites and monuments, before gearing up for her very first journey into Jordan, a country of great diversity, beauty and history. Beginning in the dynamic capital city Amman, she travelled to the lost city of Petra, the vast desert landscape of Wadi Rum, the resort town of Aqaba and finished up at the Dead Sea, a true bucket-list experience.

Location:

Travelling through Jordan from Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead Sea.

Join Scenic on an all-inclusive 11 day Treasures of Egypt tour and cruise. Prices start from $9,095 per person twin share. If you book now, your partner can fly for free. Jordan extension is available.

Just for Getaway viewers, visit scenic.com.au/getaway now for $500 per couple off selected Egypt tours.

To book or request a free brochure visit scenic.com.au or call 138 128.

Prices correct at 28.04.18. Conditions and travel dates apply.

Highlights:

Jordan is considered to be one of the safest countries in the Middle East. The relatively small, almost land-locked country has a population of approximately 9.5 million and has delighted visitors for centuries with its World Heritage sites, friendly towns and inspiring desert landscapes.

The Roman ruins of Jerash is one of the best-preserved sites of Roman architecture outside Italy. Hadrian’s arch, the amphitheatre and hippodrome, which hosted chariot races for up to 15,000 spectators gave Catriona a glimpse into life over 2000 years ago.

Jordan is home to many significant biblical sites including Mount Nebo where Moses died, and Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a site on the River Jordan believed to be where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist.

The ancient city of Petra is Jordan’s number one attraction. Known as “The Rose City” due to the colour of the stone out of which it is carved, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Catriona walked through a narrow gorge that opened to Petra’s most iconic site, the Treasury. Estimated to be over 2,000 years old, the rock-cut façade is over 40 metres high and is one of the best examples of Petra’s impressive architecture.

Hidden high up in the hills, the Monastery is another legendary monument of Petra. It’s similar in design to the Treasury but even bigger - 50m wide and 45m high. It’s a 900-step climb to reach this magnificent site, and definitely worth every step!

The next stop was Wadi Rum, the beautiful red-sand desert famous for its awe-inspiring sunsets, incredible rock formations and the vast landscape that can be recognised from the films The Martian and Lawrence of Arabia.

Scenic’s ‘special stay’ in the desert was an ultimate glamping experience – the luxurious Martian tents used in the 2015 movie The Martian, complete with hot showers and heating. Sundowners taking in the dramatic colours of the desert at sunset was a truly memorable experience.

In the resort town of Aqaba, the Red Sea is a popular dive destination, because of the marine life, water temperature and near-perfect visibility. With 28 reefs, there are plenty of colourful fish and coral to discover. Catriona joined a cruise and snorkel adventure, one of Scenic’s Freechoice activities.

Catriona finished her adventure fulfilling many travellers’ dreams – floating in the Dead Sea, six times saltier than the ocean! The surface and shores are 420 metres below sea level, making it the lowest point on Earth. The mineral-infused mud of the Dead Sea and its ultra-salty waters are known for their healing properties and found in skin and beauty products.

After covering herself in the therapeutic mud and soaking in the salty waters, Catriona relaxed at her luxurious resort. Scenic’s ‘special stay’ hotel was the Hilton Dead Sea which offered spectacular sea views across to Israel. It was the perfect end to a memorable journey.